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Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED: 19525 February <25> 1918

Origin Opnav Washington                    Ser. No. 3251

CO   25 Feb1

27 ARD        HIGHLY SECRET

Simsadus.

3251.     USS SEATTLE escort f<o>r Group-32 will go stright <straight> through with that group to Brest. She will have on board commission composed of Secretary of War Baker, Gen<e>ral Black Chief of Engineers, Colonel Brett Ordnance Department, Mr. Hayes private secretary to Secretary Baker.2 Inform General Pershing3 most confidentially. The four ships (or 4th ship) will require coal at Brest. 15025

BENSON       

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Note below close reads: “(Decoded and typed by C-2, but two copies being made in addition to pencil copy.)”

Footnote 1: Indicates copy sent to VAdm. Sims.

Footnote 2: Secretary of War Newton D. Baker, Gen. William M. Black, U.S.A., Chief of Engineers, Col. John Q. A. Brett, U.S.A., Ordnance Department, Ralph Hayes.

Footnote 3: Gen. John J. Pershing, U.S.A., Commander, American Expeditionary Force.

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